SHS graduates set sail to the future

Following speeches, expressions of gratitude, and special music, the Sisters High School graduating class of 2012, 133 strong, tossed mortarboards in jubilation at the conclusion of the 64th commencement on Friday, June 1.

The high school jazz choir kicked off the ceremony with an a capella version of the national anthem, and first-year principal Joseph Hosang made brief remarks before turning the microphone over to the five valedictorians for their speeches.

Chelsey Davidson reminisced about her middle and high school years, before diving into her main message, which she had gleaned from the likes of J.K. Rowling, Lisa Kudrow, and Tom Hanks. She said that she discovered that the common thread that each of these successful people gave in commencement addresses had to do with overcoming the fear of failure.

"It is inevitable," she said, "that we will all fail at something, unless we are to live so cautiously that we limit our potential, and in doing so, fail by default."

She quoted Nathan Hale and, in closing, urged her classmates to choose faith over fear with her words..."and faith that our failures will become the bricks on the path to the true meaning of our successes."

Zoanne McAllister also recounted the exploits and achievements of her class and their growth from small fish to big fish, concluding with an encouraging quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

Amity Calvin ran through a variety of topics from academics, to "little life things" and even sports. She got approving laughs from the crowd when she said, "Everyone has a happy place. Mine is green, wide and beautiful and has Sara Small at one end of it."

Calvin and Small, a first team All-State goalie, have played soccer together for years.

A long list of memories by McKenzie Legg concluded with her sincere thanks to her teachers "for making the last four years full of rewarding experiences."

Becky Thomas looked back at her high school career, which started with her being late to her very first class thanks to a massive coffee spill. Things turned out all right for Thomas, who reflected on the many great experiences she had and the friends she made.

"A lot of things worth doing have a rocky start, much like my high school career."

About a dozen members of the class put together their rendition of the 1970s song by Styx, "Come, Sail Away" that matched nicely with the class motto, "We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust our sails."

Seniors then had an opportunity to honor their mothers with a flower before turning around in their seats to watch the senior video, produced by class member Brittney Wilhelm, which featured baby photos juxtaposed with current pictures of each graduate.

Jim Golden and board member Andrew Gorayeb then assisted as Mr. Hosang announced each graduate in turn until all the diplomas were delivered.

As Hosang said, "I now present to you, the graduating class of Sisters High School for 2012," mortar boards and tassels flew toward the gym ceiling and the graduates stepped toward the school's doors to commence their futures.